Anwar's statement signifies progress in opposition co-operation

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) welcomes the offer by PKR de facto leader, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to Sabah-based opposition parties to contest some of the seats that were contested by PKR in previous general elections with a view to achieve a one to one fight against the BN in the coming 13th general elections.

"On the part of SAPP, we will reciprocate such good will and understanding with adjustments to SAPP's preparations for the elections, which is widely expected to be in June," said its president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee.

"Although Dato Seri Anwar positively named SAPP, SAPP is nevertheless conscious of the fact that Anwar also referred to other opposition parties and politicians. SAPP is hopeful that co-operation with other parties, like STAR, will strengthen the opposition. There are also other experienced leaders who are still in the BN whose departure from the BN will contribute towards the eventual defeat of the BN at the coming general elections.

"Ever since SAPP left the BN on September 17, 2008, SAPP has joined nationwide efforts to topple the BN regime. In SAPP's fight for Sabah autonomy and the solution to Sabah issues at both the State and Federal levels, SAPP reaffirms our support to Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim as incoming Prime Minister.

"SAPP reaffirms the continuation of the spirit of the gentleman agreement between SAPP and PKR leaders achieved in October 2010 prior to the Batu Sapi by-election. Although PKR and SAPP contested in a three-corner fight (against the BN) at Batu Sapi, the agreement was that the common enemy is the BN. Therefore, at Batu Sapi, SAPP and PKR had campaigned against the BN and not against each other.

"This trust between the two parties was not breached during and after the by-election. The Batu Sapi experience hence became a reference point in SAPP's plans for the general elections," Yong said.